In the wake of Prime Minister Theresa May triggering Article 50 some of the leaders of the 27 remaining EU states have mourned the split between Britain and the bloc.

Meanwhile, papers across the globe featured the landmark moment on front pages.

Germany's Die Welt merely said: "Farewell".

While, France's Liberation added: "We miss you already."

Sweden's Prime Minister Stefan Lofven said it regretted the UK's decision, describing it as a "close and valuable partner in the EU".

He said he welcomed "the constructive approach" in Theresa May's letter and hoped the relationship between the two countries would be "as positive and mutually beneficial as possible even after withdrawal".

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said she wants Britain and the EU to be "close partners" and said member nations will conduct negotiations in a "fair and constructive manner".

Die Welt puts out a Mayday distress signal as Britannia seeks to rule the waves with an e.e. of 3.6 per cent in her sails. pic.twitter.com/tIWS4FRggu

Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa said in a statement that Britain was its "oldest ally" and "will continue to be a European country".

The Government of Ireland said there was "no doubt" future negotiations would be "challenging".

It added: "Ireland is well prepared for the challenges ahead. We will negotiate from a position of strength as an integral part of the EU 27 team, and will work with all our partners to achieve the best possible outcome."

Belgium's Prime Minister Charles Michel tweeted that its government "will play a constructive and active role in creating a new relationship between UK & EU", adding: "We will defend the European values."

He said: "In the future relationship between the EU and the UK, we want trade relations to be as favourable as possible, and we want effective co-operation to continue in other areas, including security."